Add a burst of Caribbean flavor to your meals with this delightful Cuban Black Beans recipe. Known as frijoles negros, these beans are a versatile, hearty, and nutritious addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side or making them the star of your dish, Cuban black beans are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Cuban Black Beans
Rich & Flavorful
Simmered with garlic, onions, cumin, and oregano, these beans capture the essence of Cuban cuisine. Each bite is packed with deep, savory flavors that are both comforting and satisfying.
Hearty & Healthy
Black beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a perfect choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Easy to Make
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. You can have a flavorful dish ready in under an hour.
Versatile
These beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them with rice, use them as a filling for tacos, or accompany your favorite Cuban main courses.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil – A splash for sautéing the vegetables.
- Bell Peppers, Onions, & Garlic – For depth and flavor.
- Black Beans – Use undrained canned black beans for convenience and maximum flavor.
- Water or Vegetable Broth – For cooking the beans.
- Bay Leaf – Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Fresh Cilantro – For a bright, fresh garnish.
- Cumin & Oregano – Essential spices that give the beans their signature taste.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Provides a tangy balance to the dish.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
How to Make Cuban Black Beans
Creating these delicious beans is simple and quick. Follow these steps to enjoy a taste of Cuba in your own kitchen:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
2. Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Combine the Ingredients
Add the black beans (with their juices), water or vegetable broth, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, and red wine vinegar to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer the Beans
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the beans cook evenly and absorb all the spices.
5. Season and Finish
Remove the bay leaf. Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste. Give the mixture a final stir to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Serve
Spoon the Cuban black beans over cooked rice or serve them alongside your favorite Cuban dishes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
Tips and Variations
Enhance the Flavor
- Use Vegetable Broth: Substitute water with vegetable broth for a richer taste.
- Add Smoked Paprika: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Adjust the Consistency
- Thicken the Beans: Mash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a stew-like texture.
Spice It Up
- Add Chili Peppers: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Use Spicy Sausage: For a non-vegetarian option, add slices of spicy chorizo.
Incorporate More Vegetables
- Mix in Carrots and Celery: Add diced carrots and celery to the sauté for added nutrition and texture.
- Include Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a green boost.
Garnish Creatively
- Top with Pico de Gallo: A fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and crunch.
- Sprinkle with Cotija Cheese: For a cheesy finish, sprinkle some Cotija or feta cheese on top.
Meal Prep Friendly
- Double the Recipe: Make a larger batch and store portioned servings in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
How to Serve Cuban Black Beans
Cuban Black Beans are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes:
- With Rice: The classic combination of rice and beans is a staple in Cuban cuisine.
- As a Taco Filling: Use the beans as a hearty filling for vegetarian tacos.
- With Plantains: Serve alongside fried plantains for a sweet and savory meal.
- In Burritos or Bowls: Incorporate the beans into burritos, grain bowls, or salads for added protein and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Having leftover Cuban black beans is a real treat. Here’s how to store them properly:
Refrigeration
- Store in an Airtight Container: Keep the beans in an airtight container.
- Shelf Life: They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Transfer the beans to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Duration: Stored this way, they can last up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Additional Delicious Side Dishes to Try
To round out your Cuban-inspired meal, consider adding some of these tasty sides:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful, tomato-based rice dish that pairs perfectly with black beans.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and spices.
- Red Beans and Rice: A classic dish with a Louisiana twist.
- Spanish Rice: Aromatic rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and spices for a vibrant side.
Cuban Black Beans are a wonderful addition to any meal, offering a blend of rich flavors, nutritional benefits, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Cuba in your kitchen and make these beans a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Cuban Black Beans
These Cuban black beans are packed with flavor. They are perfectly tender. The beans are simmered with aromatic spices, garlic, and a splash of red wine vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1/2-1 cup water, as needed
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, undrained
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes. Cook until they are soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir until fragrant.
- Add the beans, 1/2 cup water, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, and red wine vinegar. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Cook until the beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer the beans in a thinner sauce, add more water. Remove the bay leaves.
- Serve hot. Pair it with cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
